The Dancing With The Stars professional – whose close friendship with Cheryl lead to speculation they were dating – is one of the names being considered to take on Patrick Swayze's role in the remake of the hit 80s movie.

And The Sun reports he is trying to persuade film bosses the former X Factor judge should be his Baby.

A source said: "Derek submitted a DVD of him dancing with Cheryl at her O2 show when she supported The Black Eyed Peas last year.

"He wanted producers to see their chemistry.

"He also put in a copy of Cheryl's video for her single Parachute, to show how good a dancer she is."

Lionsgate is remaking the film with High School Musical creator Kenny Ortega, who choreographed the original film, as director.